The Achilles Stakes (Saturday 9 June) is run over 5 furlongs and is a listed race open to horses aged 3 and older. It was first run in 1995 but was only moved to its present home at Haydock in 2009. It’s most famous winners are Ya Malak and Kingsgate Native, both of whom were group one winners at their peak.
Achilles Stakes 10-Year-Trends
- SP’s of the winners have ranged from 4/5 to 14/1
- Four of the last 10 favourites have won
- Winners have been rated between 92 and 112
- 9 of the last 10 winners have been aged five or older
- No horse, jockey or trainer has won the race twice in the last decade
Achilles Stakes 2018 Main Contenders
Muthmir
Age hasn’t been a barrier to success in the last decade but Muthmir is the second-oldest entry in this year’s field at the age of eight. He is top-rated by 4lb though and has plenty of decent form in the book. However, he may be opposable as he’s failed to place in two previous runs over course and distance, even if they were in a higher-grade.
Judicial
Finished just behind Mabs Cross on his seasonal debut in a Group 3 and that horse subsequently finished three-lengths in front of Muthmir in a Group 2 over course and distance behind Battaash. That form gives him an obvious chance in this company and he’ll be right at home if the ground stays on the fast side. He also placed on his only previous run at Haydock when third in a competitive handicap when carrying a big-weight.
Alpha Delphini
Finished an excellent third in a group 2 over course and distance on his only previous visit to Haydock, when he finished just in front of last year’s winner Final Venture. However, he was just behind Judicial at Newmarket last time off level-weights.
Final Venture
Ran well on both previous course and distance starts with a win in last year’s race preceded by a good fourth in group 2 company. However, he’s held on a couple of lines of form and will probably need a bit of luck to become the first horse since Boogie Street (2004, 2005) to win this race in consecutive years.
Duke Of Firenze
Has yet to race at Haydock but, having shown a real liking for the flat track at York, he could take to it. Trainer also won this race in 2016 with Take Cover, but he does have a few pounds to find with the market leaders.
Achilles Stakes 2018 Summary
A fascinating five-furlongs sprint in which the draw looks sure to play a part. Last year’s winner Final Venture may well go close but he was beaten by Alpha Delphini here in a group 2 last year. In turn, Alpha Delphini was beaten by Judicial earlier this season. Judicial also has the beating of ante-post favourite Muthmir on a line through Mabs Cross. Therefore, Judicial is taken to blaze a trail providing the ground stays fast.
Achilles Stakes 2018 Tip: Judicial